How-To Geek

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We explain technology. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions.
Updated: 1 hour 57 min ago

3 great shows to watch on Netflix this weekend (January 30 - February 1)

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 13:00

Every weekend, I'm on the lookout for a solid binge that I can while away the hours with. Netflix is never at a loss for these, but at the end of each month (before the next month's titles take root), it takes a bit more digging to find a hit.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop right-clicking in Excel: 5 shortcuts that save me hours every week

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 12:30

Every time you reach for your mouse to right-click in Excel, you're paying a productivity tax. It feels like a shortcut, but it actually breaks your flow. These five essential keystrokes replaced my right-click habit and turned my sluggish spreadsheet sessions into a sprint.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 Keyboard review: An odd but fantastic layout

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 12:00

Corsair tried something new with their latest Vanguard Pro 96 keyboard, and I can’t say that I’m a fan. The built-in screen feels useless and like a value-add that doesn’t add any extra value. The rest of the keyboard though? I love it, and I think you will too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How I made my basic robot vacuum smarter using Home Assistant

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 00:01

Robot vacuums are the perfect example of what a smart home device should be. They make your life easier by taking over a tedious task you would otherwise have to do yourself, and with automation, you can make it all happen without having to do a thing. My robot vacuum isn't very smart, but I used Home Assistant to make it smarter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop buying Gen 3 SSDs: They are slower and actually cost more

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 23:30

Rapidly rising SSD prices are bringing back products that were starting to fade into obscurity. SATA SSDs, pretty much obsolete, are finding some uses again. Similarly, the ongoing RAM shortage makes older versions of consumer RAM, such as DDR3, somewhat usable.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Raspberry Pi projects to try this weekend (January 30 - February 1)

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 23:00

Are you ready for more Raspberry Pi projects to dive into? This weekend, I’m showing you how to track the ISS as it flys around the globe, modify a retro camera with new tech, and make plants scream at you with three more Raspberry Pi projects for you to do this weekend.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 years later, Hulu's satirical comedy is a better streaming show than Bridgerton

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 22:57

Welcome back, dearest readers. After nearly a two-year hiatus, Bridgerton season 4 returns to Netflix with four episodes. With charming romances, beautiful costumes, and riveting drama, Bridgerton remains an entertaining and delightful television show. Season 4 will undoubtedly climb to the top of Netflix's weekly Top 10 charts. If you've already watched the new season or want another period piece, Hulu has a satirical comedy that's arguably better than Bridgerton.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How Subaru’s AWD system really stacks up against the competition

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 22:30

Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is seriously impressive. It delivers confident, full-time traction whether you’re in bad weather or pushing performance limits.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everyone should understand these smart home terms

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 22:00

Most smart home terminology is pretty self-explanatory, but there are plenty of terms that can catch out newbies who aren’t clued in on the lingo. So here’s a glossary of the most common smart home terms you might encounter, and what they mean.

Categories: IT General, Technology

MAME can now emulate Apple's first graphical computer

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 21:53

The popular multi-system emulator MAME just received its first update for 2026. MAME 0.285 has arrived with better support for Apple's first graphical interface computer, the Lisa, along with more arcade emulation options and other changes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I carry Windows, Linux, and repair tools in my pocket: Here is how

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 21:30

Most of the time, you're locked into just one operating system, and if you switch to a different computer, you can't take your favorite programs with you. That limits what you can do, and if you experience a technical problem, you could be in trouble. One NVMe SSD and an inexpensive USB enclosure changed all of that for me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This used luxury sedan now costs less than a new Honda Accord

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 20:30

New car prices are getting ridiculous, often creeping past $50,000. Smart buyers are skipping the showroom and looking for used options that still deliver style and reliability.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 useful batch files you can create to automate tasks on Windows 11

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 20:30

You can automate many tasks on your Windows 11 PC using batch files. I’ll explain what a batch file is, how you can create one, and show you some interesting and useful uses of these files.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Most of my homelab problems trace back to these 3 early decisions

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 20:00

I’ve had my homelab running for over five years, so it’s fair to assume that I’ve run into a lot of problems. However, many of the problems trace back to just three decisions I made (or didn’t make) early on in my journey.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 smart home upgrades you need in the bedroom

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 19:30

Every room in your house can benefit from some smart switches and plugs, but some rooms are better-suited to more specialized accessories. Here are some accessories you might want to add to your bedroom, and the ways they can make your life a little easier.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop port forwarding your NAS: The safer way to access files remotely

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 19:00

Your NAS is often home to your most important files. Whether you use it for backups or to host your own Plex server, it's crucial that your NAS is private, and stays that way. For many people, that means never exposing it to the internet. But those who do take their NAS online often neglect a crucial security-related step that can make it that much safer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

One thing nobody tells you about smart home temperature sensors

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 18:30

Thermometers are some of the cheapest and most effective sensors you can add to your smart home. They can be used in automations to make your heating and cooling more effective and cheaper to run, and most have displays so they function as standalone devices.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Audi maintenance is expensive, but these 5 tips will save you thousands

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 18:15

According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for an Audi is $987. For a Chevrolet, the cost is $649. The Audi is 52 percent more expensive on an annual basis. That is a significant difference!

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to reclaim the internet with your own self-hosted start page

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 18:00

Every time you open your browser you see the Start Page, and you probably click right past it without giving it much thought. However, it is a great place to put something useful—so I did. Here's how.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Spotify doubles down on messaging with group chats

Thu, 01/29/2026 - 17:42

Spotify is probably far from the first app you think about when it comes to messaging, but it was added last year as an easier way to share content with friends. Now, the service is expanding on that with the ability to create group chats.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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